Running Out of Songs (LenRisa One-Shot Stories)

Kathang Isip

December 2, 2022

Six months have passed since I won the national elections. It has been six long months, filled with mixed emotions—joy and sadness. Hindi ko mawari dahil magkahalong lungkot at ligaya ang aking nadarama. Hindi ko rin mawari kung ano bang nangyari. All I know is that I am here, serving the Filipino people for our greater good. In my first 100 days, I issued an executive order for FOI, or Freedom of Information, which requires public officials to share available data so people can track their records.

Kiko, my VP, also won, along with Sen. Risa, Sen. Chel, Sen. Colmenares, Sen. Trillanes, and others from Tropang Angat. The call to serve isn't easy, but we must uphold our oath and responsibilities, even when it's tough. Loving the country is hard, but the people I work with make it easier to remember my reasons. Nais kong umangat ang buhay ng bawat isang Pilipino. If one person rises, I hope they can spread hope to others by lifting each other up.

Diba nga ito ang iyong gusto? O, ito'y lilisan na ako Mga alaala'y ibabaon Kalakip ang tamis ng kahapon

I was humming to "Kathang Isip" by Ben&Ben when I noticed Aica Dioquino waving at me through the slightly open door. I gestured for her to come in without hesitation.

"Good afternoon, Miss President," she greeted me, handing over some papers to sign.

"Good afternoon," I replied while scanning the documents.

"Madam, Senator Risa would like to schedule an appointment with you on Saturday." The moment I heard Sen. Risa's name, I immediately put down the papers and focused on what Aica was saying.

"Probably in the morning," she added.

"Do I have a schedule that day?" I asked, wanting to prioritize Risa.

"Let me check, Ma'am," she said, glancing at her iPad to review my week's schedule.

"Apparently, there is..." I interrupted her before she could finish.

"Just clear it so we can make time for Sen. Risa," I said, already missing her as her face flashed in my mind. Haaaayyy, Risa.

"But, Ma'am—"

"No buts, case closed," I said, returning to my swivel chair.

"Hindi niyo ba itatanong kung para saan 'yong schedule, Ma'am?"

"No need; it's Sen. Risa. She has to be our priority."

"You've changed, Madam."

I started to worry about what I had just said.

Mga gabing di namamalayang Oras ay lumilipad Mga sandaling lumalayag kung San man tayo mapadpad

After a day full of meetings with various departments and agencies, I finally headed home. It's exhausting, but it's all for the country—for the people.

With my kids away for the weekend, I decided to have dinner delivered. After eating, I went to the kitchen to grab my tequila.

I dialed Sasa... luckily, she answered immediately.

"What happened?" Sasa asked as soon as she picked up.

"I'm sad; can you just come over?"

"Nasa Malacañang ka ba?" she asked. I don't stay long at Malacañang; it feels too fancy for me. I've always been more comfortable with the simple life, just like Jesse taught me.

"Nope, I'm in QC, at the condo. You know, alone."

"Alright, I'll be there in a bit. Bye."

I fiddled with my necklace, hoping for a sign from Bok.

"Bok, pasensya na ha? I just can't help but adore someone as precious as Ana Theresia."

After some minutes of waiting, she finally arrived at my condo.

"Gago? Nag-iinom ka na naman?" The moment I opened the door, she immediately saw the shot glass. The dining area is visible from the doorway, after all. She headed straight there and quickly took a drink.

"Wala man lang good evening? Walang greetings?" I said, following her. She paused to look at me before tidying up the mess I'd made on the dining table.

"Edi good evening. But how is it good if this is what I find? What's your problem, Leni?" she asked.

"You," I replied without hesitation. I hate to admit it, but I was and still am the problem. Everything's unclear because of my foolish decisions.

"You asked me to come over, and then you tell me I'm your problem?! How come?!"

"Sa? Do you still love me?"

"Ga? Hindi ba dapat ako magtanong niyan?" Tears started to form in her eyes.

Bawat kilig na nadarama Sa tuwing hawak ang 'yong kamay Ito'y maling akala Isang malaking sablay

"Sa? Do you still love me?" I needed a straight answer.

Before replying, she held both of my hands, sending shivers through me. "Oo naman, ga."

"I'm sorry. Hindi na ba talaga pwede?"

"Ga, if you can stand firm in your decisions, then maybe. Focus on your duty to the country—kahit huli na ako, ga. I understand."

"I'm really sorry."

Right after my inauguration as President, I asked her to cut ties with me so we could freely serve the nation. There were also rumors about our relationship, so we kept it low-key at first. But in the end, I asked for a cool-off. I didn't want to, but I needed to protect her.

Pasensya ka na Sa mga kathang isip kong ito Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo Ako'y gigising na

"Mahal na mahal kita, Leni."

"Mas mahal kita. Pwede bang tayo na lang uli, ga?"

"Ga, think it over. You're drunk. You always make me your priority when you're drunk."

Sa panaginip kong ito At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (lalayo sa) Gaano kabilis nag simula Gano'n katulin nawala

"Sa, ang saya natin before ako maging presidente, no?" I was reminiscing, hoping she felt the same.

"I hate to admit it, but yes. Pero as time passed by, I'm now embracing the reality, ga. I'm busy in the Senate, too, but I miss you. Sana last na 'to, ga? Sana makapag-retire na tayo? Sana ako na piliin mo."

Maaari ba tayong bumalik sa umpisa Upang di na umasa ang pusong nag-iisa Pasensya ka na Sa mga kathang isip kong ito

Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo Ako'y gigising na Sa panaginip kong ito At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (lalayo sa)

Sumabay sa agos na isinulat ng tadhana Minsan siya'y para sa iyo Pero minsan siya'y paasa Tatakbo papalayo Kakalimutan ang lahat Pero kahit saan man lumingon Nasusulyapan ang kahapon At sa aking bawat paghinga Ikaw ang nasa isip ko sinta Kaya't pasensya ka na Sa mga kathang isip kong ito Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo Ako'y gigising na Mula sa panaginip kong ito At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (lalayo sa) Diba nga ito ang iyong gusto? O, ito'y lilisan na ako